LogiTeeka

Had Sonic been depicted like that in SatAM, he wouldn't have looked so out-of-place.

Cool redesign though. It's like he stepped out of the "Sly Cooper" universe.

Nevermind, I just finished the "let's play". It's safe to say what happens afterwards.

Looking back at this game, I can't help but feel a bit disappointed. I mean, the idea is fine, but the overall story feels incredibly short and it had many elements which didn't feel necessary (like Knuckles and Amy's scenes, the Wisps, and the scene fallowing Tails' sudden sacrifice). I liked the character interactions and emotions during the cutscenes (already a huge improvement compared to "Colors" and "Generations"), but I think it could've used a bit more.

Overall, it's not a bad game (definitely a step in the right direction), but nothing special. Let's hope the next game improves this.

While SEGA is certainly to blame for the bulk of the changes, Flynn and the other Archie staff are not without fault. The Mecha Sally story arc had degenerated into a trainwreck of lost potential by the time the lawsuit impacted Endangered Species. In addition, the decision to give characters like Geoffrey and Elias increased importance even as the lawsuit was underway shows an alarming lack of foresight and caution.

Try telling a continuity-heavy story when a majority of the comic's material was created by someone else. It's like making a big sandwich, only to find out that most of your ingredients are off-limits due to your strict diet, leaving you with only lettuce and two slices of bread. Do you give up? Or are you still peckish for something?

My take at Mobius is pretty much a cross between SatAM and "Underground".

As seen in the later show, Mobius is divided into different countries and provinces, including various kingdoms and governments. The capital city of Mobotropolis is ruled by the Acorn family, and serves as the head government which oversees the administration of other realms, similar to the US presidency. Other kingdoms are ruled by their respective representatives, which include monarchs (i.e. Queen Aleena of Mobodoon), aristocrats (i.e. the Duke of Velcomia), and ambassadors/diplomats (i.e. Sir Bartleby MontClair of Dresdin).

When Robotnik took over the capital, he allowed the subordinate rulers to continue ruling as long as they pledged allegiance to his empire and payed him tribute. And in exchange for their contributions, their taxes are used to fund Robotnik's industries to produce more robots, thus allowing better security. If not, they'll be denounced as traitors and roboticized. So basically, they're being blackmailed.

Still catching up on the "let's play" of the game, and I gotta say... I'm really enjoying it so far! Not only does the gameplay look fun (if still a bit finicky at times), but the story... Wow! For once, it's a story I can really sink my teeth into! Character interaction and development, tension, serious drama... It's all there! I haven't seen a Sonic game this good in a long time.

What's also interesting is the characterization of the main protagonists. Instead of the bland personalities we've seen in recent games (especially "Sonic Generations"), the characters act like real people in this game: Sonic's just as cocky and impulsive as his SatAM depiction, Tails gets frustrated with Sonic's attitude and begins arguing with him, and Dr. Eggman grows concerned with the dilemma and shows a more serious side to his personality. Let's hope this leads to more interesting stories in future games.

Also gotta note that most games nowadays are clumsy and finicky when they come out (they spurt 'em out and prematurely then fix the bugs later).
 
 Let's plays are superior forms of reviews (sans a clever combination). Don't you agree?

Agreed. They allow you to see the game for yourself and listen to someone's actual account/opinion while he/she plays it.

The intention is to attract newer fans who are only familiar with the games, since it's the primary media these days. Having characters that don't match the look of the series' primary style is kinda alienating for some people. It's like pairing Bambi (a realistically-drawn character) with Bugs Bunny or Popeye the Sailor (very cartoony-looking characters). It just doesn't mesh.

This problem was especially apparent in SatAM, due to the presence of a cartoony, blue hedgehog with a cast of realistic-looking anthropomorphic characters. Had they redesigned Sonic to match the tone of the series, it wouldn't be that much of a problem. But because of his iconic likeness and mandates, they didn't dare to alter it. The only episode in the series that meshed well with his style was the pilot episode, due to the cartoonier designs, brighter colors, and more whimsical tone.

Since the Sonic series has already found a unique style to call its own, it makes sense to bring any ongoing series closer in order to attract the general target audience. And while the redesigns aren't perfect (I don't like Antoine's re-altered redesign), they're still the same characters we grew to enjoy. Had Sega wanted Archie to fallow their games directly by the book, they would've dropped the SatAM elements completely. But instead, they allowed them to continue as long as the meshed with their current direction for the series. In other words, you could view it as a second chance.

I wonder if Snively is coming back, and if he's getting a redesign?

 

Some people suspect Snively may be the "surprise returning character" mentioned in issue #254's description, especially since Ian confirmed the character to be a "SatAM-er" as he called it. Other possible characters include Dulcy, Lupe, and even Nate Mogan (considering he was originally planned to appear in SatAM).

 

Even if Snively isn't the returning character, I doubt he'll be dropped from the comics completely. Amongst all the SatAM characters, Snively is one of the most well-recepted. Even SegaSonic fans like the character.

 

If there's anything about him they'll change in the comics, it'll probably be his relation to Robotnik/Eggman considering Sega's stupid mandate on excluding official characters' family relations. But if Uncle Chuck can still appear in the series, what's to stop Robotnik's lacky from returning?

Question #4: The infamous "Funny Kiss," just like the elaborate handshakes is something that apparently Sally does all the time when she meets up with Tails, but again we never see it again or before in other episodes.

 

I can't imagine Robotnik enjoying that while he was listening in on their conversations.

 

Robotnik: *shudder* The things I must do to earn their trust.

I always thought the pilot episode took place within the Archieverse rather than the SatAM one:

 

For example, the mood is similar to the earlier issues (hence the goofier depiction), the cast's personalities closely match their Archie depictions, and stuff which was never brought back in SatAM (Muttski, badniks, personified Swatbots, ect.) were kept in the comics.

I too have an idea for a reboot of the franchise. It's mostly a revamped retelling of the official SegaSonic universe mixed with elements from SatAM, Underground, and both the Archie and Fleetway comics to broaden its universe. Characters and events from the respective continuities are explored more and given a new coat of paint.

 

You can view it here if you like: link (suggestions are welcome)

I might be a big fan of Ian's current take at the Archie series, but when it comes to reading older issues, I much rather read the Fleetway comics. They were far more creative and entertaining than Archie's earlier attempts.

 

I like how Sonic was portrayed as a jerk. For some reason, it seemed to really fit his character. I mean, if you were a super-powered mutant that the whole world admired, all the fame and attention would go to your head and make you arrogant and cocky. And if someone annoyed you (even your own friends), you would probably treat them harshly because of your inflated ego. Some people may not like this depiction for obvious reasons, but I found it much more interesting than the official version that everyone's used to seeing.

 

I also like the idea of Super Sonic being an inner demon set to unleash mass destruction upon the entire world. With all that power that comes from the emeralds, it makes them dangerously addictive and life-threatening. It gives Sonic an inner conflict to fight, sorta like the tale of "Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". It's certainly a much better concept than that Super Saiyan-knockoff seen in the games.

Roboticization. How does it work?

 

Nanites designed to break down one's biological structure at a molecular level and physically replace it with cybernetic parts perhaps?

The reason why the games are getting considerably bland is due to Sonic Team playing it safe. They tried making dark and epic games with lots of drama, but the end result was a bunch of flack from snobby, nit-picky critics who hated the new approach and wanted to go back to the basics.

 

For some games, the storytelling worked (i.e. SA1, SA2, Rush, Rush Adventure, Black Knight), while others didn't (i.e. Shadow, 06, Secret Rings). Unfortunately, the ones that didn't work received the most attention and were used as prime examples for the critics to attack stories and characters in the Sonic series.

 

The ones that did receive praise were the ones with hardly any story in them (i.e. the Advance series, Sonic 4, Colors, Generations). Because of their success' both critically and financially, it's easy to see why Sonic Team is heading in this direction.

 

As of the moment, the Archie comics are the only series left that tries keeping it dramatic.

You know, I really need to just sit down and watch Underground. Though every time I get a minute or so into an episode all I can think of how I'd rather be watching SatAM.

 

Be sure to skip the music video parts. I may enjoy the series, but most of the songs are annoying/pointless as heck.

 

Then again, SatAM had Dulcy during the second season, so it's still a tie.

 

 

In fact, he kinda looks like Naugus. Doesn't he?

 

And now I have a mental image of Naugus taking a bubble bath. So much for getting any sleep tonight.

 

Regardless, this hideous abomination is what always comes to mind when I think of Underground extras. To be fair, it's from the first episode. It's possible the series improved as it went on...though given I only made it through a handful of episodes before giving up, I don't know.

 

 

Aww. I like that little mutant. He's one of my favorite background characters.

 

It goes to show not all Mobians have to be anthropomorphic animals.